SHOW PRICES WITH OR WITHOUT VAT? MANY BUSINESS CUSTOMERS PREFER TO VIEW PRICES EXCLUDING VAT.
0151 448 1228 (UK)
Search

Please Login for Account Pricing
My Basket
Wishlist

Specialist Materials

Specialist Materials EVA Sheets

Materials for Podiatry, Orthotics, Shoes, Crafts and Workshop Use

Algeos supplies a wide range of specialist materials and components for podiatry, orthotics, shoe crafts and costume applications. Our range includes foams, cork, plastics, fabrics, linings, adhesives and technical components used in custom orthotic fabrication, specialised footwear, ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs), repairs and creative builds.

We support medical device manufacturers, orthotic and prosthetic workshops, shoe repairers and footwear makers, while also serving prop makers, costume departments, boat builders, DIY users and other professionals working with high-performance materials. With a focus on quality, consistency and innovation, Algeos provides reliable solutions for fabrication, repair and design across a wide range of specialist markets.

Specialist Materials for Every Application

Algeos supplies a broad range of specialist materials and components for podiatry, orthotics, shoe crafts, costume and other fabrication applications. Our range includes foams, cork, plastics, fabrics, linings, adhesives, composites, metals and technical components used in everything from custom orthotic manufacture to footwear repairs, props and creative builds.

We support podiatry and orthotic workshops, shoe repairers, footwear makers, costume departments, prop builders, boat makers, designers and DIY users looking for dependable materials that perform well in real-world production. 

With a focus on quality, consistency and innovation, Algeos provides practical solutions for fabrication, repair and specialist making across a wide range of markets.

Choosing the Right Material

Selecting the right material depends on the job in hand. Whether you are producing a custom orthotic, modifying footwear, building a prop, lining a costume piece or bonding layered materials together, the choice of material will affect performance, finish, durability and ease of manufacture.

Important considerations include flexibility, rigidity, cushioning, weight, appearance, working properties, environmental exposure and the demands of the finished application.

Key Decision Factors

  • End use and performance requirements
  • Flexibility, support, cushioning and rigidity
  • Durability and long-term wear
  • Moisture, heat and environmental exposure
  • Manufacturing, conversion or fabrication method
  • Finish, appearance and budget

Specialist Material Types

Natural Materials

Traditional materials such as leather and cork continue to play an important role across orthotics, footwear, repair and creative fabrication.

  • Leather offers durability, breathability and flexibility for straps, linings, reinforcements and specialist footwear work.
  • Cork is lightweight, shock absorbing and easy to shape, making it useful for build-ups, base layers, repairs and structured support.

Thermoplastics

Thermoplastics are widely used because they are strong, versatile and easy to heat-form for a wide range of technical applications.

  • Polypropylene for structural components and formed supports
  • Polyethylene for flexible interfaces and lighter-duty shaping
  • ABS for rigid fabrication, strength and stiffness

Foams and Cushioning

Foams provide cushioning, shock absorption, comfort and structure in footwear, orthotics, costume, props and other fabrication work.

  • PU foams for durable support and heavier-duty use
  • EVA foams for lightweight cushioning, shaping and layering
  • Silicone gels for comfort, protection and pressure relief

Carbon Composites

Carbon materials offer excellent strength with low weight, making them suitable for high-performance supports, specialist fabrication and applications where lightweight rigidity matters.

Textiles, Fabrics and Reinforcement

Textiles are used for reinforcement, covers, lamination, finishing and surface applications across medical, footwear and creative sectors.

  • Neoprenes for flexibility and durability
  • Nylons and cotton twills for moisture management 
  • Micro suedes for comfort and finishing 

Metals and Components

Metals remain important where structural strength, adjustability, durability and precision are required.

  • Stainless steel for corrosion resistance and stiffness
  • Aluminium for lighter structural supports and fabricated parts

Adhesives, Resins and Chemicals

Adhesives, resins and processing chemicals are essential across many making and repair environments. They are used for bonding, laminating, coating, finishing and preparing materials for further conversion.

Our range supports applications across orthotics, footwear, prosthetics, workshop repairs and technical fabrication - with products selected for dependable handling and reliable performance.

Working Safely with Materials

Safe working practices are important in any workshop, studio, clinic or production environment. Many specialist materials require correct handling, storage and protective measures to ensure safe and effective use.

  • Use suitable ventilation and filtration to control dust and fumes
  • Wear appropriate PPE including gloves, masks and eye protection
  • Store chemicals and adhesives safely
  • Provide regular staff training and clear workshop procedures

Supporting Better Making, Repair and Fabrication

The wide variety of materials available today gives professionals and makers more freedom to create, adapt, repair and refine products for a broad range of uses. From clinical devices and specialist footwear to costume work and prop builds, the right materials help improve comfort, finish, durability and overall performance.

Top Quality Materials with Expert Conversion Services

Algeos is proud to supply high-quality materials backed by expert support and conversion services. We aim to be a dependable source for specialist materials used across podiatry, orthotics, footwear, costume, repair and fabrication.

Our range includes foams, thermoplastics, carbon composites, metals, cork, textiles, adhesives and plastics, supported by in-house expertise and a practical understanding of how these materials are used in the real world.

With cutting, splitting and laminating capabilities on site, we can convert materials to suit a wide range of specifications and production needs, helping customers work more efficiently and accurately.

VIEW OUR SERVICES

Aortha – Orthotic Materials Technology

The Aortha brand was established in 2010 to bring together Algeos materials and components under one trusted brand. It remains a key part of our materials offer, particularly for orthotic and prosthetic applications where consistency, technical performance and specialist knowledge matter.

The Aortha range includes EVA, carbon composites, thermoplastics, transfer papers for AFOs, lower limb orthotic joint components and lower limb prosthetic components.

As manufacturing methods have evolved through CAD-CAM systems, digital workflows and 3D printing, Aortha has continued to develop materials that support modern orthotic production. By working closely with major CAD-CAM providers, the brand has built a comprehensive range of EVA, plastics and PU materials in multiple densities for today’s fabrication requirements.

Visit our brand website

Popular Materials from Algeos

Interesting Reads

  • EVA for Boat Repairs

    April 25, 2026

    Boat Building and Repair using EVA Foam

    Welcome aboard! In this blog, we will explore the world of boat building and repairs with EVA (Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate). EVA has become increasingly popular as a preferred material for boat construction and repairs due to its numerous advantages from its durability and versatility to its comfort safety, aesthetics, low maintenance and environmental friendliness.
  • EVA Foam Being cut

    April 13, 2026

    100 Uses for EVA Foam

    EVA foam sheets are used in far more than insoles and padding. They are lightweight, easy to cut, available in different densities, and suitable for medical, footwear, sport, creative, workshop and everyday practical jobs. This guide breaks down 100 real-world uses and explains each one in plain English.

  • Cork Sheets

    April 06, 2026

    How to Work with Cork Material Sheets

    This guide explains how to cut, bond, shape, paint, fix together, die cut, smooth and maintain cork sheet materials in a way that is practical for workshops, clinics and home users.

  • Hook & Loop Brace

    April 02, 2026

    101 Uses for Hook & Loop Tape

    This guide explores 101 practical uses for hook & loop tape - from everyday storage and school resources to healthcare, travel, vehicles and specialist applications.

  • Hook & Loop Close-up

    March 31, 2026

    Hook and Loop: From Alpine Burrs to Spacecraft

    A reclosable fastening system made from two surfaces - one covered in tiny hooks and the other in soft loops. When pressed together the hooks catch the loops to create a secure but adjustable closure that can be opened and reused repeatedly.

  • Cork Notice Board

    March 29, 2026

    101 Uses for Cork Material Sheets

    In this guide, you will find 101 practical uses for cork sheets, along with advice on why the material works so well and how to choose the right thickness for the job.

  • Cork Notice Board

    March 29, 2026

    How to Make a Notice Pin Board with Cork Sheets

    A notice pin board is one of the simplest and most useful ways to turn cork sheets into a practical everyday product. With the right backing board, adhesive and finish, you can make a board that works well in clinics, offices, schools, retail spaces and at home.

    This guide explains how to choose materials, cut and bond cork, add a frame if needed and finish the board so it looks neat and lasts well in regular use.

  • Contact Adhesive

    March 18, 2026

    Understanding Contact Adhesives and How to Use Them

    Contact adhesives are a type of glue renowned for their strong bonding capabilities and versatility, making them essential in various industries such as construction, automotive, orthotic insole production and everyday crafts.

  • EVA Foam Bunds

    March 15, 2026

    EVA Material Properties and Applications

    This mini-guide explores the key properties of our foams - including density, thermoforming ability and ease of shaping - as well as its many practical uses.